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Operation Walk committee selected four Utahns out of 40 applicants to receive life-changing surgery in a three-day period.

"It’s rewarding to have the opportunity to provide a life-changing surgery to a patient who needs it most and see their perspective on life improve," said Magee.

Salt Lake City (PRWEB)July 31, 2012

Beginning Monday, July 30, Operation Walk Utah teams up with the Center for Precision Joint Replacement at Salt Lake Regional Medical Center and the Hofmann Arthritis Institute to perform four total hip and knee replacements – two hip and two knee – at no cost to the patients. The four Utah patients were selected by the Operation Walk Utah committee based on the severity of the condition and need for immediate treatment.

Aaron Hofmann, M.D., board-certified orthopedic surgeon and director of the Center for Precision Joint Replacement at Salt Lake Regional Medical Center and Hofmann Arthritis Institute, along with Jeremy McCandless, M.D., and Trevor Magee, M.D., will perform the surgeries over a three-day period. All expenses of treatment, including surgery, hospitalization, and pre and post-operative care, will be covered by Operation Walk Utah and Center for Precision Joint Replacement at Salt Lake Regional. Total Joint Orthopedics, Inc. and Zimmer, Inc. are donating the implants.

"Our mission is to regularly support organizations such as Operation Walk, and we are honored to be a part of the surgeries taking place this week at Salt Lake Regional Medical Center," said Total Joint Orthopedics, Inc. CEO Keith Job.

Dalton Greenwood is one of the four patients selected for a total hip replacement this week. Greenwood is a 20-year-old, soon-to-be father who has experienced hip pain and joint problems since adolescence. He received his first partial hip replacement at age 15, but sustained a hip injury back in April of this year. After the impact from his fall, the pins placed in his left hip are no longer in place, causing severe pain and affecting his ability to sit, stand, and walk for a long period of time. Without drastic treatment, Greenwood may become completely immobile, but as a prospective father and husband, he did not have the means to receive a total hip replacement.

Greenwood met with Trevor Magee, M.D., who immediately realized Greenwood’s need for surgery. Magee submitted Greenwood’s case to the Operation Walk committee, and, as a perfect candidate for surgery, Greenwood was selected out of 40 other applicants.

“When someone’s quality of life is hindered by an unrelenting disability, it becomes absolutely crucial to receive the necessary treatment to gain mobility, minimize pain, and recover control of one’s life,” said Magee. “However, finances can be a setback for replacement surgeries, which are often postponed or completely forgone. It’s rewarding to have the opportunity to provide a life-changing surgery to a patient who needs it most and see their perspective on life improve.”

“This surgery means everything to me. I am so grateful to all of the orthopedic surgeons and staff at the Center for Precision Joint Replacement and Operation Walk Utah,” said Greenwood. “I have a son on the way and need to provide for him and my wife. I will be able to get back to work and enjoy the outdoors again.”

The other three patients selected for replacement surgeries are Ron Frame, Martha Manzano, and Jolene Johnson.

Operation Walk Utah is a private, not-for-profit volunteer medical service chapter of the national organization, Operation Walk. All chapters of Operation Walk provide free surgical treatment to patients with debilitating arthritis or other bone and joint conditions in developing countries and the United States. Through 10 international missions and more than 5,000 patients to date, Operation Walk has established an international presence and continues to grow. All medical supplies and equipment are provided through donations, and the entire medical team on staff volunteers its time.

The Hofmann Arthritis Institute provides advanced non-surgical and surgical treatment options to patients with arthritis. The medical team combines the latest surgical techniques and technology with specialized surgeons to bring about the best possible clinical outcomes. For more information about the Hofmann Arthritis Institute, call 801-355-6468.